Prokofiev: Sinfonia Concertante in E minor for cello & orchestra, Op. 125, etc.

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Chang and Pappano offer a fiercely communicative Symphony-Concerto (nb: EMI has reverted to the outmoded nomenclature of Sinfonia Concertante) and an equally distinctive, though more conventionally... — Gramophone Classical Music Guide, 2010 More…

Release Date: 6th Feb 2003
Catalogue No: 5574382
Label: Warner Classics
Length: 61 minutes

Gramophone Magazine

May 2003

Editor's Choice

Prokofiev: Sinfonia Concertante in E minor for cello & orchestra, Op. 125

Work length37:01

Album only

Han-Na Chang (cello)
London Symphony Orchestra
Antonio Pappano
Recorded: 2002-03-24
Recording Venue: 20 & 21 March 2002. Studio 1, Abbey Road, London

I. Andante

Track length10:07

Album only

II. Allegro giusto

Track length16:46

Album only

III. Andante con moto

Track length10:08

$1.00

$1.30

Prokofiev: Cello Sonata in C major, Op. 119

Work length24:37

Album only

Han-Na Chang (cello), Antonio Pappano (piano)
Recorded: 2002-03-24
Recording Venue: 23 & 24 March 2002. Studio 1, Abbey Road, London

I. Andante grave - Moderato animato - Andante grave, come prima - Allegro animato

Track length11:40

Album only

II. Moderato - Andante dolce - Moderato primo

Track length4:48

$1.00

$1.30

III. Allegro, ma non troppo - Andantino - Allegro, ma non troppo

Track length8:09

$1.00

$1.30

Reviews
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Reviews

2010

Chang and Pappano offer a fiercely communicative Symphony-Concerto (nb: EMI has reverted to the outmoded nomenclature of Sinfonia Concertante) and an equally distinctive, though more conventionally ruminative account of the Sonata.
It's fair to assume that the Korean cellist is the youngest exponent of these pieces on disc, and it shows in the best possible way as her youthful vivacity meets Prokofiev's mature style.
Although still in her teens, she's an experienced, even mature recording artist with several fine discs under her belt. Her taut, ardent conception of the main work here, music that can often come across as rambling and discursive, is the most radical thing she has done, knocking minutes off the timings of almost every previous recording. The first movement is perfectly pitched, never self-indulgent, and it's easy to forgive any momentary lack of unanimity when editing might have impaired the forward thrust of the music-making. Chang's authoritative style reaps huge rewards from 7'25", where the theme sings out in the very highest register.
The central scherzo is sensationally swift and articulate but deeply felt too, with more emotional as well as physical precision than in previous performances barring Rostropovich's own.
Prokofiev's sometimes wan lyricism is revivified by Chang's refined sensibility; her phrasing truly breathes with the music and the vulnerable, confessional quality she reveals may well bring a tear to the eye. Autumnal half-lights are usually more potent for being strictly rationed, and Pappano is forthright as well as 'sensitive', giving us some minatory, Soviet-sounding brass interventions amid the hustle and bustle.
It's not only the refined direction that brings new colour, clarity and lustre to Prokofiev's orchestral fabric. EMI's sound is top-notch, and you may be taken aback to discover just how terrific this orchestra can sound in a sympathetic recording studio. The cellist is placed closer than would be the case in live concert, but such technically invulnerable playing can take it.
Han-Na Chang's disc is quite superb.

Prokofiev: Sinfonia Concertante in E minor for cello & orchestra, Op. 125, etc.

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